Timing belt maintenance schedule

[Lud]

I just noticed in my '98 NSX owners manual that the schedule for changing the timing belt is 105,000 miles / 7 years for normal duty OR 60,000 miles for severe duty (no time listed).

Severe duty is defined as regularly driving the car in very cold (below 20F) or very hot (above 110F) weather.

I know the earlier cars were 90,000 miles / 6 years for normal conditions but I don't remember if they had the severe duty schedule in there as well. I don't think too many of us drive our car much in those kind of temperatures but I'm sure some do.

 

[Larry Bastanza]

Hey Lud,

I just checked the online manual and it appears as though there was not a "severe conditions" notation for 1991. I was looking online and the PDF is not exactly clear, I will check in my old fashion paper copy tonight!

HTH,
LarryB

 

[Slingshot]

The 1993 service manual's Maintenance Schedule has an enclosed box around the code to indicate "Under severe driving conditions, service these items more often". The timing belt has the code R*4 at the 72 month/90,000 mile which ever occurs first column. R for replace, and *4 for "this service is recommended only".

The "severe code" box appears on engine oil and filter, air filter, brakes, and power steering system categories only.

 

[matteni]

Interesting - on other Honda's they typically describe it as:

- driving in Canada
- Mostly short trips
- Towing (on my Ody)

In other words it implies a life that hard on the engine / car and not just dependent on temperature.

If were you and you don't drive your NSX every day and only use it in spirited driving I would even concider shortening the maintenance intervals for some items.

YMMV.

------------------
Nick M

91' Red/Black with Many Mods
99' Honda Odyssey with Many Kids

 

[Lud]

Nick - That is a special defition of severe conditions for just the timing belt.

For the normal maintenance schedule it defines severe conditions more conventionally:

* Less than 5 miles per trip, or less than 10 miles in freezing temps

* Extremely hot conditions (over 90F)

* Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go

* Mountainous conditions

* Muddy, dusty or de-iced roads

It also recommends all Canadian owners follow the severe conditions schedule.

[This message has been edited by Lud (edited 16 January 2003).]

 

[insx]

This "Mountainous conditions" keeps bugging me:
Is SF Bay area considered as Mountainous conditions?

Thanks

 

[matteni]

You're right - good catch...

nick

Originally posted by Lud:
Nick - That is a special defition of severe conditions for just the timing belt.